Ian McGeechan is expected to be confirmed as head coach of the 2009 British and Irish Lions later this morning.
The Wasps director of rugby is the cast-iron favourite to lead the Lions' assault on South Africa and attempt to repeat his famous 1997 victory over the world champions.
Wales coaching duo Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards, who works with McGeechan at Wasps, are tipped to be named assistant coaches.
While confirmation of that may not come today, former Lions player Jason Robinson believes the trio would make a coaching dream-team in South Africa next summer.
"'Geech' has got the passion. You can't play this game without passion," said Robinson.
"He really got me going. I didn't know anything about the Lions when I came to rugby union. I played for the Lions in rugby league but it is nothing like it.
"It is such a special occasion. To have someone like him speaking with such authority and passion really got me going.
"Shaun has done exceptionally well in a short space of time with Warren and with Geech. The coaches have to get on and if you have three people who already have that bond it will make it much easier."
Gatland and Edwards formed a close friendship working together at Wasps and this year made an immediate impact in Wales by winning the Grand Slam.
McGeechan replaced Gatland at Wasps and has forged his own effective working relationship with Edwards.
McGeechan, 61, is synonymous with the unique Lions concept having been involved in a record six tours as a player (1974, 1977), assistant coach (2005) and head coach (1987, 1993, 1997).
And McGeechan has been backed to restore the special Lions aura, something former captain Gavin Hastings believes was tarnished by the 2005 tour to New Zealand.
Three years ago, Sir Clive Woodward was in charge and headed for New Zealand armed with a giant squad, a huge backroom staff and plans to create the blueprint for all future Lions tours.
McGeechan and Gareth Jenkins were unbeaten as midweek coaches - but the All Blacks swept to a 3-0 Test series victory and, in many ways, Hastings is glad they did.
He said: "In 2005 we went a long way towards losing that aura. It became a bit of a circus. If that had been the blueprint for success - taking 51 players and 26 backroom staff - then my godfathers!"
Hastings, captain of the 1993 Lions under McGeechan, continued: "It just feels right that in this instance Geech is there. He is a very astute, clever and experienced man. He commands huge respect.
"It's funny. I just smile when the name Ian McGeechan gets mentioned in a Lions context because he has become so synonymous with the Lions."
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